Proper Hot Chocolate

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Yield: 2

Proper Hot Chocolate

5.0 Stars (3 Reviews)

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Proper hot chocolate is one of my favourite cold weather rituals. I melt good-quality chocolate into warm milk with a touch of cream, whisking until it’s silky, rich, and deeply satisfying. No powdered mixes, no shortcuts – just pure chocolate comfort in a mug. Sometimes I top it with whipped cream or marshmallows, but it’s just as lovely on its own. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a chilly morning, this is the kind of treat that makes everything feel cosy.

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 75g dark cooking chocolate
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 200ml cream
• 500ml whole milk
• 1/2 tsp of your favourite flavoured essence (optional - I use toffee)
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a pot over medium heat. Whisk gently until the chocolate has fully melted.
2. Transfer to your favourite mug and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 743Total Fat: 57gSaturated Fat: 35gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 151mgSodium: 458mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 1gSugar: 43gProtein: 14g

Please note, this nutrition information is to be used as a guide only. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

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Proper Hot Chocolate

My Festive Favourite

Every year without fail, the festive season turns me into a bit of a hot chocolate connoisseur. I lean into it fully – I’m talking whipped cream moustaches, sugar highs, and enough flavoured syrups to sink a small ship. However, this year my recipe for Proper Hot Chocolate has become my go-to, as café-hopping isn’t quite on the cards thanks to good ol’ covid, the gift that keeps on giving. Usually, I’d be out and about sampling every seasonal hot chocolate within a 30-mile radius – from big chain specials to local cafe wonders, all in the name of research, of course. But when staying in became the only option, I figured it was time to recreate that café magic at home. Spoiler: it involves actual dark chocolate, melted through milk and cream, with a swirl of toffee syrup and a blizzard of whipped cream on top.

The whole thing has felt a bit like a balm, to be honest. With Christmas markets cancelled, overseas travel scrapped, and friends scattered across the globe, I needed something that still felt a little bit magical. Normally we’d be catching up with visitors from all over, wandering through markets in the Central Belt, and coming home with bags of fudge and handmade ornaments we didn’t need. But this year, none of that was happening. We weren’t even sure who we could see on Christmas day – bubbles and tiers and ever-changing rules making everything a bit of a puzzle. So instead, I channelled all that uncertainty into something warm and decadent that made the house smell like the inside of a festive dream.

Even though it’s not the same as clinking mugs with friends in a buzzing cafe, making Proper Hot Chocolate at home has become a little act of joy. I stick on a Christmas playlist, pull out my favourite mug, and go a little overboard with the toppings. It’s a reminder that even when the world feels a little upside down, we can still find comfort in the small things – especially when they involve chocolate. And cream. And maybe a biscuit or three on the side.

Finding Comfort in the Chaos

Christmas this year is one big question mark. We don’t know who we can see, what we’re allowed to do, or even what to expect. It’s all a bit much, to be honest. Usually we have a pretty full-on December – lots of catch-ups, visiting friends, and last-minute dashes to the Christmas markets when we realise we haven’t bought anything for anyone. But this year, things look very different. With friends stuck overseas, family visits uncertain, and the usual festive buzz reduced to a low hum, we’ve decided to pull back and stay home. And honestly? It’s turning out okay.

So, I’ve stocked the cupboards like I’m feeding an army – hubby and I could comfortably host a dozen guests if anyone were allowed in. But instead it’s just the two of us, and an excessive number of homemade sausage rolls. We’re watching terrible Christmas movies, and yes, drinking enough Proper Hot Chocolate to consider it a new food group. It’s not the holiday we’re used to, but it’s cosy in its own way. More pyjamas, less pressure. More sweets, fewer schedules.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m missing everyone like mad. Especially our friends who usually fly in for the holidays – the ones who bring different accents, big hugs, and stories from the rest of the world. But I’m also finding myself grateful for the pause. For the slow mornings, the quiet nights, and the chance to do something a bit new. Even if it’s just putting festive sprinkles on hot chocolate and pretending the living room is a Christmas market.

Saturday Nights on Twitch

One of the surprising highlights of this year has been the start of my Saturday night live streams. Yes, every Saturday night I go live on Twitch, usually in my apron and always with something bubbling away on the stove. It started as a bit of fun, but quickly turned into something I really look forward to. It’s like having a virtual dinner party, except I do the cooking and no one steals the last piece of garlic bread. Win-win.

The Twitch community has been brilliant. It’s become this lovely space where I can chat about food, take questions, and share the behind-the-scenes of my kitchen experiments in real time. If you’ve ever wanted to see how I actually make things like Proper Hot Chocolate from scratch, or just want to ask whether I think sugar belongs in spaghetti (spoiler: it doesn’t), it’s the place to be. Plus, you can cook along if you’re feeling brave, or just lurk with a glass of wine – no judgment here.

It’s funny, really. I used to think streaming was for gamers and tech wizards, but turns out it’s a pretty wonderful way to share a love of food too. Some nights it’s just me and a pan of onions, and other nights, it’s chaos with five things on the go and me trying to remember where I put the salt. Either way, it’s real, it’s unfiltered, and it’s become one of the most unexpectedly joyful parts of my week. Come for the recipes, stay for the mild kitchen panic.

Ingredients Breakdown

Proper Hot Chocolate is all about indulgence, but it’s also incredibly simple. The key is to use real dark chocolate – not cocoa powder, not chocolate chips, but the good stuff. It melts beautifully into warm milk and double cream, creating a rich, velvety base that’s far more satisfying than anything you can make from a sachet. The toffee syrup adds that extra layer of festive sweetness, bringing a lovely caramel note that pairs perfectly with the richness of the chocolate.

Whipped cream is a non-negotiable. I don’t mean a polite squirt either – go big or go home. Pile it high, and then go in with your sprinkles, marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whatever festive toppings you fancy. This is not the time to be modest. It’s meant to be fun and over-the-top and completely extra. That’s what makes it feel special.

If you want to get really fancy, you can even rim your mug with melted chocolate and crushed biscuits before you pour the hot chocolate in. Is it necessary? No. Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Will it make you smile? Every single time. Because sometimes, especially at Christmas, it’s those silly little things that make the biggest difference.